RCCG investigates pastor accused of sexual assault by former basketball player

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is investigating the pastor who was accused of sexual assault by a former basketball player.

RCCG investigates pastor accused of sexual assault by former basketballer lailasnews

The former basketball player identified as Beatrice Wealth had taken to social media to claim that she was sexually abused by the church’s Director of Sport, Pastor Paul Bankole, in his office in 2016.

Wealth, who represented the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, in basketball competitions, said she was only 20 years old at the time.

Funso Odesola, an Assistant General Overseer in RCCG, replied to the former basketball player’s tweet, writing:

“Our attention has been drawn to your tweet on sexual harassment by Pastor Paul Bankole during your visit to his office at the Redemption Camp.

“We would like to have a physical meeting with you at your earliest convenience in order to further investigate these allegations to forestall a reoccurrence.

“Please accept our utmost apology for whatever you might have passed through as a result of this act.”

Abike Dabiri React As Top RCCG Pastor Is Accused Of Sexual Harassment in Directorate of Sport in RCCG right in his office at redemption camp

A top and popular RCCG pastor identified as Paul Bankole has been called out on Twitter for sexually harassing young girls in redemption camp.

The lady, with Twitter handle @beatricewealth_, said Pastor Bankole said he was recruiting female basketball players to form a team for RCCG and used the opportunity to harass her.

Speaking further via her twitter handle @beatricewealth_, Beatrice however disclosed that she was able to escape from the pastor but she has not been able to forget her experience.

“I was sexually harassed by pst. Paul Bankole in 2016, the then Directorate of Sport in RCCG right in his office at redemption camp. I was introduced to him by a friend in school (Yabatech) because he said he was recruiting female basketball players to form a team for RCCG.” She tweeted.

However, reacting to the development, Honourable Abike Dabiri  responded to the twitter thread and wrote

“I commend you for the courage to talk about your experience . And I believe your story. I hope he has the conscience to repent , apologize and not try that ever again with other females.”

Beatrice Wealth

@beatricewealth_

·

Sep 11

I was sexually harassed by pst. Paul Bankole in 2016, the then Directorate of Sport in RCCG right in his office at redemption camp. I was introduced to him by a friend in school (Yabatech) because he said he was recruiting female basketball players to form a team for RCCG.

Beatrice Wealth

@beatricewealth_

·

Sep 11

He said some of the players would get into the national team and represent Nigeria in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. I was the first female he got in contact with and we were talking about recruiting other females. I went to redemption camp for the first time in 2016 to play basketball

Beatrice Wealth

@beatricewealth_

·

Sep 11

He showed me the court and even introduced me to an acquaintance as his daughter after the man said we looked alike. All i wanted to do was play basketball and get the opportunity to play in Tokyo 2020 Olympics but on the 2nd or 3rd visit (can't remember) after about an hour.

Beatrice Wealth

@beatricewealth_

·

Sep 11

at his office before going to the court (he was busy at the time), He said he wanted to see the pictures on my phone, and i gave it to him. Then he showed me a quote i had saved about loving fiercely.... and said I should send it to him which i did via Whatsapp.

Beatrice Wealth

@beatricewealth_

·

Sep 11

He handed my phone back to me & after some time came to where i was standing (i was looking at some things he pasted on his memo board), he sat on the chair & told me to sit on his lap. I said i can't & then he pulled me to his lap and said i should kiss him, i said i can't.

Beatrice Wealth

@beatricewealth_

·

Sep 11

He said he wanted to kiss my pink lips (he had made a remark on my lips through WhatsApp before but i didn't pay attention to it then, a lot of people talk about it and i take it as a compliment).